TOKYO TEMPTATION :: The Joys of Japanese Food

Japanese food is delicious and surprisingly healthy. Well, most of it is both delicious and healthy. Some of it is one but not the other. One thing is certain: unless your culinary preferences are particularly restricted, or you are absolutely averse to trying new things, then you are sure to enjoy sitting down to dinner in Japan. The latter may entail sitting down on cushions or legless chairs placed on a tatami-carpeted floor, to consume a multi-course meal spread on a low table using a pair of chopsticks. (Most restaurants offer forks and knives if you’re struggling with the sticks, but you miss half the fun). Fish, rice with miso soup, vegetables (pickled or cooked in broth) and seafood are staples, and are likely to be included in any Japanese-style meal of the day – breakfast, lunch or dinner. Noodles, such as soba and udon are also popular. Cooking methods vary according to the main ingredient used, but frequently include deep-frying in a light batter as tempura, serving raw as sashimi or in sushi, simmering as in oden (fish) or sukiyaki and nikujaga (beef). Grilling on a hot plate is also common and can be a true spectacle. Watching the chef at an okonomiyaki restaurant slice and mix the ingredients for your savoury pancake on the hot stainless-steel counter in front of you is a show of skill and precision. The display will be over in minutes, but it will probably change your definition of fast food forever. If you’re a meat lover, then Japanese wagyu beef (such as the world renowned Kobe) is a must - expensive, but worth it. And to wash it all down, Japanese beer, green tea, and a shot of Saké of course. Kanpai!

#food #cuisine #Japan #Asia